Abortion bill is misunderstood

William Masloske voiced his concerns in Fence Post, April 3, about HB 2354. Before readers make up their minds about the bill, they should know that the Reproductive Health and Access Act (RHAA) protects both patients and doctors.

It allows individual health care professionals to object to providing certain services, while still ensuring that patients receive timely, accurate and complete services as well as information about care options.

Additionally, the bill requires abortions to be performed in accordance with accepted standards of medical practice which includes abortions banned after viability except to save the life or health of the woman.

The ban on so-called "Partial Birth Abortion" will remain in effect if HB 2354 is passed into law. Current Illinois law already allows teens to obtain contraception without parental involvement. There is no consent or waiting period in Illinois law. Illinois law does not allow nurses, i.e., school nurses, to perform surgical procedures.

If the General Assembly decides to pass additional regulations on abortion or even repeal the RHAA, it is entitled to do so.

Julie Sass

Elk Grove Village